Cool MateDangerous vs Harmful
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Dangerous | Harmful | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | likely to cause harm or injury | something that can hurt or cause damage |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'dangerous' to describe things that can cause harm. It's appropriate in most contexts, but be cautious in very casual situations where simpler words may work better. | Use 'harmful' when discussing things that can negatively affect health or well-being. It's suitable in both written and spoken contexts, such as warnings or discussions about products. |
Frequently asked questions: Dangerous vs Harmful
What's the difference between "Dangerous" and "Harmful"?
"Dangerous" means: likely to cause harm or injury "Harmful" means: something that can hurt or cause damage
When should I use "Dangerous" and "Harmful"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Dangerous" and "Harmful" the same CEFR level?
"Dangerous" is at A1, "Harmful" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.